THE senior rugby league season might be over for another year, but that didn’t stop more than 300 youngsters from tackling the annual Bryan Kirkland Cup at Singleton’s Cook Park on Tuesday. A total of 18 teams – nine in opens (under-12s) and a similar number in under-10s – took to the field for the one-day format, representing the likes of St Mary’s Scone, Denman Public, St James’ Muswellbrook, King St Singleton, Muswellbrook Public, St Cath’s Singleton, Singleton Public, Muswellbrook South, Scone Public and Singleton Heights schools. “This is the biggest tournament we’ve had for a few years,” NRL game development officer Daniel Swan said. “And, what’s pleasing, they’re all Group 21 schools. “There are sides from Scone, Denman, Muswellbrook and Singleton. “The Bryan Kirkland Cup is all about extra participation – and fun. “It’s also a chance to develop the kids’ skill levels in Group 21, as each team play a minimum of three matches. “Some say Bryan Kirkland is the ‘grandfather of Group 21’. “So, this is a great way to honour him and recognise his involvement in the sport. “My thanks go to all the participating schools, Singleton Junior Rugby League Club and the Group 21 Referees’ Association.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

THE senior rugby league season might be over for another year, but that didn’t stop more than 300 youngsters from tackling the annual Bryan Kirkland Cup at Singleton’s Cook Park on Tuesday.

A total of 18 teams – nine in opens (under-12s) and a similar number in under-10s – took to the field for the one-day format, representing the likes of St Mary’s Scone, Denman Public, St James’ Muswellbrook, King St Singleton, Muswellbrook Public, St Cath’s Singleton, Singleton Public, Muswellbrook South, Scone Public and Singleton Heights schools.

“This is the biggest tournament we’ve had for a few years,” NRL game development officer Daniel Swan said.

“And, what’s pleasing, they’re all Group 21 schools.

“There are sides from Scone, Denman, Muswellbrook and Singleton.

“The Bryan Kirkland Cup is all about extra participation – and fun.

“It’s also a chance to develop the kids’ skill levels in Group 21, as each team play a minimum of three matches.

“Some say Bryan Kirkland is the ‘grandfather of Group 21’.

“So, this is a great way to honour him and recognise his involvement in the sport.

“My thanks go to all the participating schools, Singleton Junior Rugby League Club and the Group 21 Referees’ Association.”